Hawks usher in new era in female football program

A NEW approach to coaching in AFL Barwon’s senior women’s competitions is hopeful it can take the region by storm in 2024.

Drysdale Football Club has unveiled a female-only coaching line-up and support staff for the 2024 season, in a ground-breaking announcement from the club.

The coaching and support staff, headlined by co-coaches Sarah Chapman and Prue Davies, includes women’s football coordinator Rhyll Montgomery, vice president Jessica Case, and captain Elie Montgomery.

“I am proud to lead an all-female team of coaches and trainers who collectively work tirelessly to ensure the strength and growth of women’s football at our club,” Ms Montgomery said.

“Our all-female leadership team has been instrumental in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where our players can thrive and achieve their full potential.

“Our coaches and trainers bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, guiding our players with care and dedication.

“Our Vice President, Jessica Case plays a key role in shaping the strategic direction of our women’s football program, ensuring that it aligns with our club’s values and goals.”

Drysdale’s female football program dates back to 2010, competing in the Youth Girls competition.

In 2015, it was one of three clubs in the first Junior Girls Under 12 league and in 2017 it was the first club on the Bellarine to field a Senior Womens Team, as part of the Ballarat Goldfields league.

The club fielded its first senior side in 2018.

In recent years Drysdale featured in AFL Barwon’s Female Division 3 competition, making it to the Preliminary Final in 2023, and the Division 2 Grand Final in 2022, quickly becoming one of the pillar sides in the region’s senior female structure.

The club’s leadership team says they recognise the advantages of having female coaches.

Benefits to the all-female include unique insights, perspectives, and mentorship to the playing group.

The diverse leadership also fosters an inclusive and supportive team environment for women and young people, leading to improved performance on and off the field.

Skipper Elie Montgomery said having an all-female coaching and support team, including the women’s coordinator and trainers, has been incredibly empowering for all of us.

“It’s not just about the game; it’s about role modelling and creating a safe and inclusive space where we can all thrive,” Montgomery says.

The club encourages more local clubs to consider hiring more female coaches at the grassroots level.

Senior women’s football, including Under 19’s, will begin the season on the weekend of Friday, April 5.